There were eight competitors for the It’s a Gamble round of the Simpson Shield. Walt Lees assisted by five volunteers showed how to deal a winning poker hand courtesy of the Vernon Poker Deal. Jonathon Gaines assisted by Adam demonstrated a card trick where the odds were in favour of the dealer. Brian Wilson assisted by David bet his watch on a gamble involving a telephone directory. Eddie Dawes again assisted by David performed a Do-as-I-Do trick using old pound notes.Domanic Li performed David Regal’s Bottoms Up Aces, a card trick, assisted by four volunteers. Chris Pawson also performed a card trick with a gambling theme. Gordon Stow performed a trick using dice and was assisted by Brian. Brian Waltham performed a trick using matchboxes in which his was found to contain a ten pound note.The Competition resulted in a win for Walt Lees with Eddie Dawes in second place.

Ron Thompson has been gambling for over forty years! In a brilliantly entertaining and fascinating talk he regaled members with stories of his life in casino management. From his start as a croupier in the unlicensed ‘sawdust’ joints of the fifties to the upmarket, plush casinos of today, Ron entertained with tales of his brushes with the law, ladies, bosses and punters. My favourite was the one about Ron dealing for a poker game in which all spot cards below seven or eight (depending on number of players) are removed. One of the gamblers fell in a fit, and Ron paused, wondering whether to assist or deal, “take the sevens out” was the hissed instruction from the other players! He gave insights into tricks of the trade and how to spot card counters and top hatters. He ended his talk with a roulette trick assisted by Karen. Ron should polish this talk, put in a couple more gambling themed tricks and take it out on the speaker circuit - it will be a hit. Eddie thanked Ron on behalf of all members for a very entertaining evening.